Cabinet reshuffle in Lesotho sewn up
Lesotho’s Prime Minister Sam Matekane announced a major cabinet reshuffle on April 29, 2026, approved by King Letsie III. The changes, effective immediately, involve firings, reassignments, and new ministries to boost governance and service delivery.
Two ministers were dismissed: Honourable Mokhethi Shelile and Honourable Letsema Adontsi. Their release was formalized via Legal Notice No. 39 of 2026, signaling performance-based adjustments in the administration.
This marks Matekane’s first significant reshuffle since taking office, amid pressures to address economic and sectoral challenges in the landlocked nation.
PORTFOLIO REASSIGNMENTS
Several ministers shifted roles to align expertise with priorities:
- Honourable Selibe Mochoboroane from Health to Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition.
- Honourable Lebona Lephema from Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs and Police to Trade, Industry and Business Development.
- Honourable Lejone Mpotjoane from Foreign Affairs and International Relations to the new Ministry of Energy and Mining.
- Honourable Thabo Mofosi from Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition to Environment and Forestry.
- Honourable Limpho Tau from Prime Minister’s Office to Foreign Affairs and International Relations.
These moves aim to inject fresh leadership into critical areas like food security and trade, vital for Lesotho’s economy reliant on agriculture and South African ties.
NEW APPOINTMENTS
Four fresh faces joined the cabinet:
- Honourable ’Mamokete Ntšekhe as Minister of Health.
- Honourable Voeswa Tsheka as Minister of the new Home Affairs and Police.
- Honourable ’Makatleho Motsoasele as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.
- Honourable Nkhethoa Seetsa was named to the new Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship but declined the post, skipping the swearing-in.
Ntšekhe’s health role addresses ongoing public service gaps, while Tsheka’s portfolio targets security enhancements.
The reshuffle created three new ministries by splitting existing ones:
- Ministry of Home Affairs and Police (from Local Government conglomerate).
- Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship.
- Ministry of Energy and Mining (elevating energy from Natural Resources).
These splits, via Legal Notices 40 and 41, promise specialized focus on policing, chieftainship disputes, and mining – key for Lesotho’s diamond-driven revenue and energy needs.
A ceremony occurred on April 30, 2026, at the Royal Palace in Maseru, excluding Seetsa. Acting Chief Justice administered oaths, formalizing the lineup under constitutional protocols.
The event underscored monarchical involvement, as King Letsie III acts on PM advice per Lesotho’s framework.
POLITICAL CONTEXT
Matekane, leading Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) since 2022 elections, faces coalition strains and economic woes like high unemployment and water-energy pacts with South Africa. This reshuffle counters earlier 2025 critiques, including Nqosa Mahao’s energy dismissal, by prioritizing merit and sectors.
Unlike past reshuffles under Thabane or Majoro – often tied to party splits – this appears strategic, avoiding no-confidence risks.
New structures could streamline decisions on mining royalties (Lesotho’s top export) and police reforms amid crime rises. Health and agriculture gains target HIV burdens and food insecurity affecting 20% of Basotho.
Critics watch for delivery, as prior reshuffles sparked factionalism; success hinges on appointees’ execution amid 2026 budget constraints.
Overall, the reshuffle positions Matekane’s government for renewed focus, potentially stabilizing Lesotho’s fragile politics.